Customer Reviews

The Dog Rules

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This is the single most valuable dog training book on the market. Lots of dog training books are like fad diets--full of "feel-good" promises and without addressing the core issues. The Dog Rules takes a much more encompassing approach. It explains the scientific principles of effective training. It exposes the reader to different training strategies, and shows that even though the strategies may appear different at first look, they are all rooted in the same core 14 principles. Kyra has competed in all kinds of dog sports, from hunting to agility, and uses her knowledge of each of these sports to give examples of how the 14 principles run through each of these sports.

Kyra's writing style is non-judgmental, and she talks about different tactics, and explains what you are realistically gaining and losing with each one. I really appreciated her honesty. Her chapter on "One Command, One Consequence" alone is worth the price of the book, as it explains how to use discipline in a non-punitive way, by simply establishing rules and consequences. Another chapter that has been life-changing for me was her discussing of how to use the "pressure and release" methods used by horse whisperers to teach, enforce, and control a dog. I love this. It gives me an effective method to use which doesn't involve jerking my dog's collar or intimidating my dog.

After reading this book I now feel like I know how to handle every issue with my dog, and I know how to bring out the best in my dog. And the best part is that it doesn't involve spending more time training. It's just knowing the difference between handling a situation correctly or incorrectly. If you live with a dog, this book is going to change your life for the better.

I've read many dog training books and most are so full of technical language about psychology and training techniques that I've had to re-read parts if not all a second time. This book is thorough but is easy to read and full of real life examples. Kyra even reveals how she has dealt with problems she's had with Chalcey's training. But, most importantly, she reminds you that training is ongoing throughout your dog's life and patience and consistency are crucial in developing a solid working relationship with your pet. This book is the layman's manual that you will refer back to many, many times as you work with your dog.

I loved this book. It's not just a training book but lays out a philosophy for sharing learning and liiving with your dog so that you can both have fun while respecting one another. One thing I appreciate from Kyra is that she talks about things that didn't work, as well as those that did, so you realize that people and dogs are all individuals, and if one approach doesn't work and you've been shown the basic training tools, you can be creative and just try something else. This is less frustrating for both you and the dog than traditional dog obedience, which often results in a dog with a broken spirit who's afraid to try new things.

Jerry

This is the best dog training book I have ever read. I have read many books by Cesar Milan and other dog trainers and not found them as helpful. This book goes into detail about the reasons why certain things (like clickers) work with dogs and certain things don't..(No, No, Come here.. no Down..etc..)She uses examples from real life that are entertaining to read and helful too. I couldn't help thinking multiple times.. "That sounds just like my puppy!!" She takes training way past the obedience level to the level every dog owner would love to have their dogs trained to. I loved the section on exercising with her Chalcy.. she takes her scootering, rather than for daily walks. She doesn't limit you or your dog to tradiotional do's and don'ts and strict parameters. It's way more about training your dog to be the best dog for YOU!

She knows her business and has an approach that builds intimacy and companionship as well as "good" behavior. The key of course is that what is good and acceptable to me may not be good or acceptable to you. She shows you how to make conscious choices about your dog's behavior rather then just "seeing what develops."

I have purchased many books on dog training - which were good, however this book actually provides a lot more user friendly insight on the dogs behavior. I also liked that Kyra balances the pack leader mentality with the human aspect. It's not one aspect or the other - it's nicely combined.

This was a fun read and really encourages owners to get out there and be active with their dogs. It has several activities to do but many of them are a bit advanced for the average pet owner. I would have like a more simple step by step approach. Overall not bad and with practice a devoted dog lover will have success when following the info in this book.

I found the book ok. It talked alot about the authors experiences but not as much actually hands on information